Gen Kayani opposes drone attacks

Islamabad - Acclaiming the role and contribution of Pakistani security agencies in fighting terrorism, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke Tuesday assured Pakistan Army all-out US help in meeting countrys defence needs. An ISPR press release confirmed Holbrooks meeting the Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani stating that the visiting dignitary remained with the COAS for some time and discussed matters of mutual interest. However, The Nation has learnt through reliable official and diplomatic sources that the visiting dignitary, who called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani praised the gains Pakistani security agencies had made as part of counter-terrorism efforts. Sources said that Holbrooke praised the Pakistani security agencies in crushing Taliban militants in Swat, Malakand and parts of FATA and the sacrifices made by the security forces. He assured all-out US assistance to meet countrys counter-insurgency needs by providing military hardware and other related equipment to Pakistani security forces. Sources said that host of other issues including regional security, Pakistans efforts in war against terror and impact of US-led military operations in Afghanistan came under discussion during the meeting. Military operation in Waziristan also came under discussion. Pakistan Army Chief General Kayani while talking to the US Special Envoy said that eradication of terrorism was in the interest of Pakistan and Afghanistan and the whole region. He said Pakistan Armed Forces were determined to tackle the scourge of terrorism come what may and underscored the need for the US help to strengthen their efforts by meeting countrys defence needs. General Kayani also called for supply of US drone technology to Pakistan in order to strengthen its defence as part of long-term counter-terrorism efforts, making it clear to the US Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan that US drone strikes against terrorists hideouts along Pak-Afghan border were neither sustainable nor productive as they were increasingly creating anti-US sentiments. The COAS also took serious exception to bashing of Pakistans spy agency ISI by US media seemingly with 'ulterior motives. He forcefully rejected the allegations as absurd and being far from the reality. The US dignitary is learnt to have also met the Director General ISI, Lt Gen Shujja Pasha but it could not be officially confirmed till filing of this report.